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Kerry Graham Named CEO of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville

Posted on by Guy Krenn

For Further Information, Contact

Frederick Strobel 
fgs@burgundygroup.com or 615-948-3836  

 KERRY GRAHAM NAMED CEO OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF NASHVILLE 

Longtime Business Leader to Head Important Nashville Non-profit 

(Nashville, Tenn., April 28, 2026) — Nashville business leader and non-profit board director Kerry Graham will become the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, effective June 1, 2026. 

In making the announcement, Catholic Charities Board President John Rodgers pointed to Graham’s long success in the marketing and advertising profession and his broad and varied involvement in a number of non-profits, several as chair or president.   

Graham’s marketing agency, The Brand Hotel, is an acclaimed center for brand creativity and a model for innovative business practices, building on Graham’s more than 35-year career in the advertising profession. In addition, he brings a long history of non-profit leadership to Catholic Charities, including more than 16 years of service on the board of directors of Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, two of them as chair.  He succeeds Judy Orr, who retired after seven years at the head of the organization. 

“The Search Committee – headed by former Catholic Charities Board Chair Fran Bedard – conducted a nationwide search that produced several exceptional candidates, but the committee was impressed by Kerry’s combination of business success and non-profit leadership,” Rodgers said. “That combination, along with his demonstrated heart for serving all in our community, makes him an outstanding choice to lead Catholic Charities into its next era of serving Middle Tennessee.” 

The Most Reverend J. Mark Spalding, Bishop of Nashville, welcomed the news. “Catholic Charities has been an important force in our city, bringing hope, love, and healing, whether it has been in response to an emergency or to help a family in need,” Bishop Spalding said. “Kerry’s involvement in our community – the Catholic community, the business community, the Middle Tennessee community – demonstrates his devotion to Catholic Charities’ mission.  His creativity and his strong Catholic faith will serve us well, and I am pleased to welcome him to this important position for the diocese and our city.” 

Graham founded The Brand Hotel in 2015 and guided it to a place among the top advertising agencies in the South, serving clients in music, consumer goods, hospitality and retail services from California to Tennessee to Italy and Spain. Prior to The Brand Hotel, he was at The Buntin Group as vice chairman, chief creative officer from 1996-2005, and BOHAN Advertising in Nashville from 2006-2015, first as president and then as vice chairman and CEO. During his tenure, the agency created memorable campaigns in apparel, retail, hospitality and healthcare, including the “Nothing shall be impossible” campaign for Ascension-Saint Thomas Hospital.  The agency was named Ad Age’s “Southeast Small Agency of the Year” and “Best Agency Culture,” as well as Modern Healthcare’s “Healthcare Agency of the Year,” while receiving numerous other awards for their work and their operation. 

Graham reflected on his career and how it will inform this new role. “I’m excited to have this opportunity to lead the Catholic Charities team as we continue its outstanding work for our community together,” Graham said. “My advertising experience has given me a decades-long crash course in psychology and the power of compelling storytelling to influence consumer behavior on behalf of our clients’ brands, products, and services. But my favorite assignments have always been the ones that allowed us to use those marketing lessons as powerful medicine for good, outside the marketplace, especially non-profit and community initiatives. That’s why the mission of Catholic Charities is a passion project for me. With the goal of providing more medicine for good here, I look forward to working with this team to implement systems and programs that strengthen our culture internally as we expand our service in Nashville and cities throughout the diocese.” 

Prior to coming to Nashville, Graham worked for Henderson Advertising in Greenville, Hill Holliday in Boston, and J. Walter Thompson and Burton Campbell, both in Atlanta. In addition, he has served on the boards of The Contributor, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, The Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Wake Forest University School of Business, The Ensworth School, and the Adventure Science Center.  He was a member of the 2008-2009 class of Leadership Nashville. 

A graduate of Vanderbilt where he studied English Lit and Drama, Graham was also part of the Sewanee Writer’s Conference and studied Literature and Drama at University College at Oxford University. He and his wife, Linda, attend Saint Henry Catholic Church. Their family includes a son and daughter-in-law, two daughters and sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren. 

“I’ve known and worked with Kerry for a number of years, and his talent, leadership, and collaborative spirit have always been evident to me,” said Greg Pope, chief administrative officer for the Diocese of Nashville. “I am confident he will bring those same talents to Catholic Charities, enhancing the work and the culture of this important diocesan ministry.” 

Rodgers thanked Orr. “Judy’s leadership and caring spirit have guided this organization exceptionally well. Her tenure has been marked with the unique challenges of the pandemic, the Christmas bombing, and immigration issues, but during that period she has produced many of Catholic Charities’ finest moments.  We are forever grateful for her stewardship of this organization, its staff, its clients, and its heart.” 

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ABOUT CATHOLIC CHARITIES 

For over 60 years, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville has been a beacon of love, hope, and healing for Middle Tennessee. The organization and its team are committed to serving neighbors in need—regardless of their faith tradition—with compassion and care during their most challenging times, helping them regain stability and dignity. More information is available at cctenn.org 

ABOUT THE DIOCESE OF NASHVILLE 

Founded in 1837, the Diocese of Nashville serves the Middle Tennessee community through its 60 church parishes, 20 Catholic schools, and numerous affiliated entities.  More information is available at dioceseofnashville.com. 

Judy Orr Reflects on a Year of Challenge and Community Support

Posted on by Guy Krenn

In this recent interview, Executive Director Judy Orr reflects on the 2026 Festival of Hope and shares insight into one of the most challenging periods in Catholic Charities’ recent history. She discusses the loss of federal refugee resettlement funding, the resulting staff reductions, and the strong support the Nashville community provided in response.

Judy also highlights the breadth of Catholic Charities’ work across Middle Tennessee, including disaster relief, counseling, hunger relief, and workforce development, and shares her plans to step down after seven years of leadership.




Catholic Charities Nashville holds annual Festival of Hope to support neighbors in need

Posted on by Guy Krenn

Catholic Charities’ annual fundraising breakfast celebrates hope and the transformative impact of Catholic Charities’ holistic programs, which provide emergency assistance, emotional support, and employment services to restore dignity and foster stability.

NewsChannel5’s Tony Sloan interviews Judy Orr, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville shortly after the event:

Those unable to attend this year’s fundraiser breakfast are invited to explore the Festival Highlights page or make a tax-deductible financial gift to the Festival of Hope.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville among first nonprofits to receive $25,000 in disaster relief following Winter Storm Fern

Posted on by Guy Krenn

Heather Mencke, Senior Director of Programs at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, recently spoke with WKRN News 2 about ongoing recovery efforts following the winter storm that impacted Davidson County. Catholic Charities was among the first nonprofits selected to receive $25,000 in disaster relief funding from United Way, helping expand support for individuals and families facing storm-related hardships.

Select image to watch story.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please visit our Disaster Recovery page to learn more about available resources.

The gentle giant who keeps the peace

Posted on by Guy Krenn

A familiar and beloved presence at Loaves & Fishes in Nashville, Safety Resources Specialist Hollis Biffle was recently featured in a profile by Brad Schmitt of The Tennessean.

Though only six months into his current role, Hollis is already known for meeting each guest with compassion and respect. Whether offering a listening ear, building friendships, or helping ease tense moments, he brings calm and dignity to everyone who walks through the door.

As Hollis shares, Loaves & Fishes is about more than serving 600 meals each week. It is about connection, restoring dignity, and reminding every guest that they are loved as children of God.

America 250 truck donates 40K pounds of food to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville

Posted on by Guy Krenn

40,000 pounds of food and the first of many deliveries to arrive across the nation.

On January 15, a semi-truck arrived carrying 40,000 pounds of food thanks to a generous donation from JustServe.Org and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville is honored to be the first location to receive this type of donation, with similar deliveries planned for other communities.

WKRN coverage of America 250 truck donation to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville.
WKRN was on the scene at the Catholic Pastoral Center to cover the donation unpacking. Select image to watch.

 

With forklifts and teamwork, the truck was unloaded in about an hour. We are redistributing this food to pantries at our seven Family Resource Centers throughout Middle Tennessee, helping nourish our neighbors in need across the region. We estimate that 1,400 families will be helped in the next few weeks with this gift.

Channel 5 news coverage of America 250 donation to Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville.
Heather Mencke, Senior Director, Programs, answers questions from Eric Pointer, News Channel 5. Select image to watch.

Catholic Charities Able to Help Bombing Victims Quickly

Posted on by Guy Krenn

 

 

At Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, we exist to support individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted by crisis. That may mean a natural disaster, a traumatic event, or a sudden loss that leaves people without stability or support.

We were recently recognized for our role in helping those affected by the 2020 bombing in downtown Nashville. As a qualified nonprofit partner, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville was selected by the State of Tennessee to administer emergency assistance to nearly 2,000 residents and business owners whose homes, workplaces, and livelihoods were impacted when multiple blocks of the city center became uninhabitable for months.

Our Executive Director, Judy Orr, was interviewed by Stacey Cameron of WSMV as part of this story and spoke about the importance of responding quickly and compassionately when people are displaced from their homes or businesses.

We are grateful for the trust placed in us and honored to continue serving our neighbors with love, hope, and healing.

Read the full story on the the WSMV-4 website.

A Generous Donation

Posted on by Guy Krenn

We’re extending our sincerest thanks to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and Chef’s Deal Restaurant Equipment for their incredible generosity. When several of our refrigerators were failing or over capacity, these organizations stepped in and delivered five new units to several of our Family Resource Centers—a donation valued at $17,700. Their support ensures our pantries can keep food fresh and ready for the families we serve.

Photo of new refrigerator at Catholic Pastoral Center.

Highlighting Generosity

Posted on by Guy Krenn

Catholic Charities is deeply grateful to Holy Family Catholic Church for their ongoing support of our many ministries that help neighbors in need. Their most recent donation included car seats, port-a-cribs, blankets, clothing, and diapers of all sizes—all much needed items for new and expectant mothers across the Diocese of Nashville who come to us for help.

Baby items donation at Catholic Pastoral Center, Nashville, TN.

Please consider donating to our pantries via our Amazon Wishlist at http://bit.ly/4qNTj4V or by dropping off supplies to any of our pantries—find your nearest at cctenn.org/locations.

Ribbon-Cutting at C. E. McGruder Center

Posted on by Guy Krenn

Earlier this month, we celebrated the reopening of the newly renovated C. E. McGruder Center in North Nashville.

The morning began with a heartfelt prayer from Reverend John Beach, joined by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Beach, followed by remarks from Brittany Irby, Senior Director of Civic and Community Engagement in the office of Freddie O’Connell, Mayor of Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County, Executive Director Judy Orr, and Program Director Nicole Bailey. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting and guided tours of the building.

Special shout out to M. Simone Boyd, whose tireless dedication and advocacy helped make this transformation of the McGruder Center possible. Special thanks to Sid Stanley whose generous gift to the center demonstrates his deep belief in Catholic Charities’ mission.

The Catholic Charities Family Resource Center at C.E. McGruder embodies our mission of bringing love, hope, and healing to friends and neighbors in need. It is a one-stop resource hub for emergency assistance, emotional support, and employment services. We are proud to serve as managing agency, hosting our valued partners including Nashville Financial Empowerment Center, Preston Taylor Ministries, The Nashville Food Project, and many more.

Front of C. E. McGruder Center building in North Nashville, TN.

Ribbon cutting ceremony Singing met with applauseBrittany Irby

Love, Hope, and a Good Night’s Sleep

Posted on by Guy Krenn

While October heralds the harvest season and a wave of gratitude for our abundance, many of our neighbors increasingly face hunger, housing insecurity, or financial hardship. Often their needs go deeper.

I am heartened by strong support from our donors to answer the call to help. By sharing your abundance, you make a difference for those in need—a family searching for safe, affordable housing, a young couple learning to manage their finances, or a young adult determined to gain new job skills. Simply put, Catholic Charities can’t provide these vital ministries without your help.

In any given month, around 2,000 people across Middle Tennessee from all faiths turn to our family resource centers. There, through our holistic care model, Catholic Charities helps remove barriers to self-reliance with:

  • Emergency assistance such as housing and hunger relief, in a crisis
  • Emotional support and life-skills counseling like financial literacy, to encourage stability
  • Employment services and training to restore dignity and open doors to sustainable employment with benefits

Please consider a tax-deductible gift to our $2 million campaign. Together we can ensure struggling individuals and families do not go without food, shelter, or hope.

As Scripture reminds us: “We have been called by love to serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

God bless you for bringing love, hope, and healing to those most in need.

Give the Gift of Love Now

Volunteers serve food to the needy.

A Silver Lining: Volunteers Bring Hope

We’re grateful for a recent surge in volunteers just when recent funding reductions have increased the need for every helping hand.

One shining example is Alan Robertson, a retired architect and member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, who wanted to serve Spanish-speaking neighbors in need. He volunteers twice a week at our South Nashville Family Resource Center. Alan says, “I love it. It gives me a great sense of purpose.”

Join us! We’re currently seeking volunteers with skills in accounting, project management, and other professional fields to help grow our programs and impact.

Discover Volunteer Opportunities

Two pairs of hands holding home symbol.

Imagine Sleeping on the Floor

Imagine sleeping on the hard floor of a small apartment for months. That was the reality for a father and son in Middle Tennessee—until Mattress Firm stepped in. Through a new partnership with Catholic Charities, the company has agreed to donate dozens of new beds each year, helping families gain comfort, dignity, and a better night’s sleep.

The family first came to a Catholic Charities food distribution event and quickly learned they qualified for multiple services: immigration assistance, monthly food boxes, hygiene supplies, help with medical bills—even school shoes for the little boy.

Now, with a safe, comfortable place to sleep, the family has renewed hope and stability. They are deeply grateful for the community’s love and support—and are inspired to give back in return.

Learn About Ways to Give

P.S. As Judy Orr prepares to retire next year, the search for her successor is underway. (View the job posting here.) Our Board and Judy are focused on a seamless handoff, and our team is energized to advance the agency’s mission.